Have you ever this river rafting term? Point positive. That means, you point in the direction you want someone to go versus where you don’t want them to go. When you are on the river, someone might not be able to hear you, so instead of saying, “don’t go over there,” you say, “go over there.”

How do we apply this in the fitness world? How do we “Point Positive” in a fitness world full of “no’s?” Focus on the yes. 

I've been in the fitness industry for over 14 years and I have seen a ton of health fads come and go. Often times, these fads cause more damage than they are helpful. And news lines, social media pages and health experts are constantly saying opposing advice. But here's the thing, they are usually telling you want NOT to do to go in line with what they think is the correct path to being healthy. Here's just a few of the "tips" I have come across : No carbs, no cardio, no heavy weights, no working out past 8pm, no working out earlier than 5am, no read meat, no fruit, no carrots, no sunscreen, no gluten, no tomatoes, no kale, no nuts, no dairy etc, etc, etc.

It's enough to make me want to grab a container of chocolate ice cream and eat it all. SO what are we to do?!

Point positive, think of the things you CAN do. For example, I remember watching two documentaries in the same week, one was about Plant Based eating and the other was about being Keto. Let me tell you, both were VERY convincing and VERY opposing. Which one is correct?! I don't know. But what I do know is that I can take aspects from both and incorporate them into my life:

• Point positive: Focus on eating more veggies (inspired by plant based eating)
• Point positive: Focus on incorporating healthy fats into my meals (inspired by Keto)
• Point positive: Focus on what I can do versus what I can't

Same thing goes for exercising. Instead of berating yourself for "only" working out once this week, congratulate yourself for finding the time to fit in a workout. Instead of thinking that the last workout you did totally kicked your butt and that you aren't out of shape, congratulate yourself for completing they workout at your own pace. 

All too often we get down on ourselves for things we think we shouldn't have done. Instead, this week, focus on the good. Point positive on all the things you have accomplished this week.